Bayern Munich will kick off their Champions League knockout stage when they travel to Celtic for the 1st leg of the Play-offs on Wednesday.
Starting the group stage on a high by hammering Dinamo Zagreb in a record win, Bayern were touted as one of the favourites to secure an automatic qualification to the round of 16. However, it proved to be deceptively flattering as their inconsistent results saw them settle for a place in the play-offs.
The Bavarians’, though, manufactured a late surge in form which will see them enter the contest against Celtic in high spirits. Since the defeat against Mainz in December, the German giants have won eight of their nine games in all competitions, with the only painful defeat coming against Feyenoord in the Champions League.
Their domestic form has been scintillating, as the weekend’s win against Werder Bremen extended their lead to eight points at the top of the Bundesliga table.
Vincent Kompany looks to have bedded in well, with his attacking style of play reaping rewards and helping Bayern dominate the games. The Belgian manager will be looking to change Bayern’s fortunes in the Champions League, the tournament they last won in the 2019/20 season.
However, Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic would look to rain on Bayern’s parade, having themselves been in a glorious domestic form this season. The Hoops produced some impressive results against Leipzig, Slovan Bratislava, Atalanta and RB Leipzig to progress to the play-offs, despite not being considered among the favourites.
They are coming on the back of a 5-0 win against Raith Rovers in the Scottish Cup while they also hammered Dundee 6-0 in their last Scottish Premiership game. The Scottish giants sit atop the league table with 66 points, 13 points ahead of Rangers.
Team News
Celtic
Celtic have suffered a massive blow, as their in-form Japanese star Daizen Maeda is set to miss the game through suspension.
With Kyogo Furuhashi also securing a transfer to Rennes in the winter transfer window, Adam Idah is likely to shoulder the responsibility as the centre-forward. The 23-year-old produced a stunning double in the 4-2 defeat against Aston Villa in the final group game. Besides, Jota and Nicolas Gerrit-Kuhn are the other reliable attacking options who can make an impact.
Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich will be without Canadian full-back Alphonso Davies due to a muscle injury, while Serge Gnabry could return to action, having regained fitness.
Apart from that, the Bavarians boast a formidable squad that can take the game to any opposition. Especially, their star-studded attack consisting of Michael Olise, Jamal Musiala and Harry Kane can wreak havoc on even the best of defences.
Celtic vs Bayern Munich – Probable Line-ups
Celtic Predicted XI (4-3-3): Kasper Schmeichel; Alistair Johnston, Auston Trusty, Liam Scales, Greg Taylor; Arne Engels, Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate; Nicolas Gerrit-Kuhn, Adam Idah, Jota
Bayern Munich Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Manuel Neuer; Konrad Laimer, Dayot Upamecano, Kim Min-jae, Raphael Guerreiro; Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka; Michael Olise, Jamal Musiala, Kingsley Coman; Harry Kane
Key Battles
Musiala vs McGregor
Jamal Musiala’s rich vein of form this season has elevated him to the status of one of the best players in Europe. Be it pulling the strings from the No.10 position, wriggling his way past defenders or delivering the goods, the German youngster is a complete package whom the defenders find too hot to handle.
Musiala will look to weave his magic in the play-off stages and his battle against his next adversary Callum McGregor is one to keep an eye on. With tons of experience under his belt, the Scottish midfield general will try to rise to the occasion by curbing Musiala’s influence.
Idah vs Kim
Adam Idah looks to be gearing up for his biggest test of the season yet against Bayern, having already showcased his talent with an eye-catching display against Aston Villa. Idah has the talent to pick apart the German’side’s defence, while South Korean defensive wall Kim Min-jae will try to be at his best to stomp his authority.
Prediction:
Celtic 0-3 Bayern Munich
